a public-school education served me well. it saddens me because i think it is basic to what america is about to give everybody a basic shot and have an opportunity. it starts with public education. >> how many total years have you worked in government? >> a lot. since 1981, really. i was a civil rights attorney. i dealt with gender discrimination. a disability rights law had just come into law not long before i had joined. that was very good experience that led to my next government job with bob dole, 1981. the senate turned republican. at the top of the list was the voters' rights. he wanted to make sure he was a player. it was a good fit. >> did you agree with him in most things? >> i did. people tend to identify me with the progressive camp. i hate labels. i have taken strong stances. i am a conservative in one sense. i believe in capitalism but believe that system has to be policed and regulated. it is popular. i think it is one that was reflective of both politics. the tax reform act. i enabled it to be lower for everyon